22. Washington State

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

• extreme NW
• Around 45–48°N -> cool to mod continental
• Slightly more black grapes
• C.S, Merlot, Chard, Riesling, Syrah
• Warm, sunny, dry conditions + cold nights
• Soils -> basalt bedrock with sandy, silty loess + alluvial topsoils
• Mid to prem-priced (small)

Question 2

Columbia Valley AVA

Answer 2

o large cross-border AVA
o 99% plantings
o C.S

Yakima Valley AVA
§ largest plantings
§ Chard
* Followed by CS, Merlot, Syrah, Riesling
§ 3 sub-AVAs -> Red Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills, Snipes
Mountain

Horse Heaven Hills AVA
§ Black dom -> CS, Merlot, Syrah
§ Chard + Riesling -> most white
§ S-facing slopes -> warm + sunny

o Wahluke Slope AVA
§ Warmest + driest -> gentle S-facing slope
§ CS, Merlot, Syrah

o Walla Walla Valley AVA
§ E side is cooler + wetter -> vines up to 600 m
§ CS, Merlot, Syrah, CF, Malbec, Chard, Viognier, Semillon

Question 3

Puget Sound AVA

Answer 3

• NW of Cascade
• Cool maritime
• hybrids predominate
• P.N + Riesling